How much can I earn teaching English in Vietnam?

Vietnam is enjoying a boom in the ESL teaching sector thanks to government efforts to improve English language proficiency across the country. Jobs are widespread in the big cities and some of the most popular beach resort areas. Another reason for its increased popularity is a relaxed approach to life that is in stark contrast to many of the more traditional teaching destinations in Asia such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much to offer, Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad.

What are TESOL salaries in Vietnam?

First time teachers in Vietnam can expect to earn in the region of $1,000 per month. If you have some experience and high level qualifications you should be able to earn up to $2,000 per month. Some teachers prefer to work on a freelance basis rather than a fixed salary, with hourly rates between $15 and $30. By far the largest markets for ESL teachers are in the two main cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, although a few options can be found elsewhere if you want to get away from the bustle of the city.

Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Vietnam?

The majority of teaching jobs in Vietnam are provided by private language centers. Full-time positions in these schools typically involve a one-year contract that includes health insurance, holiday pay, a work permit, and even an end of contract bonus. If you choose a part-time position you are likely to be paid cash in hand and have little in the way of extra benefits. However, as part-time jobs provide greater flexibility in terms of working hours, they are still a popular choice with many teachers. It is also common for teachers to take on part time roles with several different language centers to increase their income and still maintain some flexibility. If you sign a full-time contract you will be expected to teach in the region of 20 hours a week, with a further 10 hours put aside for lesson planning and administration work. Part-time teachers will usually work around 3 to 4 hours per week for each employer. Most classes in language centers take place during the evenings and weekends to suit the students' schedules, so you might want to take this into consideration if you like to enjoy the nightlife on a regular basis.

Who else employs English language teachers in Vietnam?

Private tutoring is common practice in Vietnam as there is strong demand and it allows you to set your own timetable. You might choose to do a few hours a week to subsidize your main income or even make it a full-time job once you have built up enough clients. Another option for teachers with a high level of qualifications and experience are international schools, although jobs in these schools are currently small in number.

What is the cost of living for English teachers in Vietnam?

Most teachers will not earn as much in Vietnam as they could elsewhere in Asia. However, as the cost of living is relatively low for the region, it is still possible to live well and save some of your income if you choose to. A private room in a good quality shared house can be found for between $150 and $250 per month. Eating out is also extremely cheap with the average price for a local meal being around $2 per person. The overall expenditure for a teacher in Vietnam will depend on many factors such as the type of accommodation and how often you frequent western style bars and restaurants, but a typical figure would be between $500 and $700 per month.

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